(VOVWORLD) - Asia-Pacific trade envoys will meet in South Korea this week to discuss multilateral cooperation, as countries react to the US’s sweeping tariffs.
 A US flag and a "tariffs" label are seen in this illustration taken April 10, 2025. (Photo:REUTERS) |
Trade representatives of 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation grouping will meet for two days starting Thursday on Jeju Island, as part of preparations for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week later this year. APEC makes up about half of global trade and 60% of the world’s GDP.
Participants will attend closed-door sessions on such topics as multilateral trade, revitalization, and sustainability, with the official agenda expected to include the role and reform priorities of the World Trade Organization amid current global challenges.
They will also discuss advancing the free trade area of the Asia-Pacific region, boosting digital trade, ramping up artificial intelligence readiness, and driving sustainable, inclusive growth.